Tool support

ABSTRACT

A support assembly is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the power cord. Embodiments of the assembly include a quick release electrical connector deployed between and configured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the tool from a power supply and/or a gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes, the cord extending through the gimbal assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationsSer. No. 60/558,938, entitled Connector, filed Apr. 2, 2004 and Ser. No.60/574,516, entitled Connector, filed May 26, 2004. This application isrelated to, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/408,583, entitled Tool Support, filed on Apr. 7, 2003, whichis a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/818,162, entitled Tool Support, filed on Mar. 27, 2001 (nowabandoned).

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to retractable overhead tool supports, and moreparticularly to a low-drag overhead support for lightweight hand-heldtools such as hairdryers. This invention further relates to a quickrelease electrical connector and a gimbal assembly for lightweighthand-held tools.

2. Background Information

In various industries, hand tools and other utilitarian devices are usedby workers on a daily basis. Many of these devices are heavy, andrequire considerable arm strength to lift, hold in place, and maneuver.Weight compensating suspension devices may be desired to supportrelatively heavy objects from above, such as to support engine blocksand the like in automobile assembly lines. These devices enable theheavy objects to be conveniently moved to or along the production line,enabling workers to rotate them for convenient access, e.g., to attachcomponents, or to lower them into position, such as into an enginecompartment of an automobile. In order to support such heavy objects,these suspension devices may be fabricated from relatively heavycomponents to provide them with requisite structural integrity. Thesesuspension devices, by virtue of their intended use and structuralrequirements, therefore tend to have relatively high inertial mass. Suchdevices also tend to exhibit relatively high frictional forces duringuse.

As mentioned above, the supported objects are themselves heavy and assuch, are typically moved into desired position slowly, and once sopositioned, e.g., at a desired elevation within an assembly line, orwithin an engine compartment of an automobile, are seldom movedelevationally again, if at all. Accordingly, for such applications, themass, inertia, and friction of the suspension device is of littleadverse affect.

However, such suspension devices are less than optimal for use withrelatively lightweight objects, such as hairdryers and other hand tools,which have relatively low mass, and which are often moved rapidlybetween various elevations. For example, hair stylists use hand-heldhair dryers, which often must be held for extended periods of time andmaneuvered quickly and repetitively between various elevations,sometimes in tandem with a hairbrush while drying or styling.

Even when appropriately scaled down in size to compensate for thelighter weight of such objects, conventional suspension devices of thetype described above have generally proven deficient in one or morerespects. For example, such devices tend to either provide too much, ortoo little compensating (e.g., upward) force and the cords used toattach these devices to the supported object tend to bind during rapidelevational changes (i.e., during rapid raising and lowering).Furthermore, during such rapid elevational movement, such as during thehair styling/drying action described above, there may be a lag betweenraising the hairdryer, and the corresponding retraction of the cord.This lag may result in the cord becoming alternately loose, and thentaut, to provide non-uniform tool support which may be disruptive to theuser. Moreover, the momentary lag may result in a subsequent retractionat an excessive rate of speed, as the device attempts to reel in ‘slack’in the cord. Alternatively, the device may attempt to retract the cordeven as the user attempts to lower the object, which may be furtherdisruptive, and may place undue stress on the user's wrist and onvarious components of the suspension device, etc. This unevenapplication of force generated by such a lag may also result incomponents of the device disadvantageously cocking or jamming.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved suspension apparatusfor lightweight objects such as hairdryers and other hand tools, whichrenders them apparently or virtually weightless, while enabling them tobe frequently and quickly moved between various elevations while alsoproviding lateral freedom of movement. In certain applications it isalso desirable to provide such suspension apparatuses with an electricalconnector to ensure a stable power supply to the hand tool, as well asto provide quick and easy connection and disconnection of power to thetool. In other applications it is further desirable to provide suchsuspension apparatuses with a gimbal assembly to provide additionaldegrees of freedom of motion to the tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect this invention includes a multi-elevational tool support.The tool support includes a drum disposed to rotate about a centralaxis, a spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum, and a cord coupledat a proximal end thereof to the drum. The tool is coupled to a distalend of the cord and the cord is configured to supply power to the tool.The tool support further includes a quick release electrical connectordeployed between and configured to selectively electrically connect anddisconnect the proximal and the distal ends of the cord and/or a gimbalassembly deployed between the proximal and the distal ends of the cord,the cord extending through the gimbal assembly, the gimbal assemblyconfigured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes.The drum is configured to windingly receive the cord thereabout and thecord is configured for being alternately wound and unwound with andagainst the bias of the spring as the tool is respectively raised andlowered. The drum is further configured for moving axially during thealternate winding and unwinding. The tool support further includes anaxially stationary entry and exit point through which the cordalternately disengages and engages the drum during the alternateunwinding and winding. The spring is coupled to the drum and isconfigured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement ofthe drum.

In one variation of the above-described aspect, the connector furtherincludes a first plurality of teeth disposed on a first portion thereofand a second plurality of teeth disposed on a second portion thereof.The first and second pluralities of teeth are configured to selectivelyengage and disengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting theconnector and the engagement of the teeth is operative to substantiallyprevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions ofthe connector. In another variation of the above-described aspect, theconnector includes a first lock deployed on a first portion thereof anda second lock deployed on a second portion thereof, the second lockbeing configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the secondportion between first and second rotational positions and being biasedtowards the first rotational position. The second lock is in the secondrotational position when the connector is connected. The first andsecond locks are configured to engage and disengage one another uponconnecting and disconnecting of the connector, said engagement of thefirst and second locks operative to substantially prevent relative axialmotion between the first and second portions of the electricalconnector.

In another variation of the above-described aspect, the gimbal assemblyincludes a gimbal deployed about a receptaclel. The gimbal is disposedto rotate about the first axle. The first axle extends through thegimbal and the receptaclel. The gimbal includes a second axle, thegimbal and receptaclel disposed to rotate together about the secondaxle. The second axle is substantially orthogonal to the first axle andis supported by an internal receptaclel. The gimbal assembly furtherincludes a wedge deployed in the receptacle, the wedge including firstand second wire channels that are disposed to receive correspondingfirst and second electric lines. In this variation the gimbal assemblystill further includes a cable jacket deployed about the centralcomponent. The cable jacket is secured between the receptacle and thewedge to resist axial movement of the cable.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basisfor modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of this invention will bemore readily apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription of various aspects of the invention taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention,in conjunction with a hairdryer shown on a reduced scale;

FIG. 2 is another view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of portions of anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an elevational cross-sectional view of portions of theembodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top view, with portions shown in phantom, of portions of theembodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8, of portions of analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A-12G are elevational schematic views of various drumconfigurations useful in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 13 in aconnected state with the shroud portions removed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the connector assembly ofFIG. 13 in a disconnected state with the shroud portions removed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the connectorassembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the connectorassembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an inner component of the lower portionof FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19A through 19D are cut away views illustrating connection of theconnector assembly of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 20A through 20D are cut away views illustrating disconnection ofthe connector assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the gimbal assembly of FIG. 13 with theouter housing removed;

FIGS. 22 is a partially exploded view of an interior portion of thegimbal assembly of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the gimbal assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to beunderstood that structural, procedural and system changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims and their equivalents. For clarity of exposition, likefeatures shown in the accompanying drawings shall be indicated with likereference numerals and similar features as shown in alternateembodiments in the drawings shall be indicated with similar referencenumerals.

Where used in this disclosure, the term “axial” when used in connectionwith an element described herein, refers to a direction relative to theelement, which is substantially parallel to axis of rotation a when theelement is installed such as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the term“transverse” refers to a direction substantially orthogonal to the axialdirection. The term “drag”, as used herein, refers to forces tending toresist the elevational changes of an object supported by embodiments ofthe present invention. These “drag” forces may include friction andinertia exhibited by various components of these embodiments.

An aspect of the present invention was the realization that lack ofsuccess using conventional counter-balancing suspension systems wasrelated to the relatively high drag, e.g., inertia and friction,associated with such devices. Moreover, it was found that even when suchsystems are scaled-down in size in an attempt to accommodate lighterweight (e.g., about 1-25 lbs.) suspended objects, the drag forces becomea significant, if not overwhelming factor, particularly for objects inthe lower end of this weight range. Indeed, although various componentrymay be reduced in size to compensate for lighter weight objects, thedrag forces generated by friction and inertia of the moving components,were not proportionately reduced. As such, the ratio of drag forces tothe weight of the object became unacceptably high, with the effect ofexacerbating the ‘lagging’ problem associated with quick elevationalmovements as described hereinabove.

Embodiments of the present invention address the aforementioneddrawbacks by providing a low drag (low inertia, low friction) aerialsuspension system configured for nominally weightlessly supporting alightweight object (i.e., in the range of about 1 to about 25 pounds,and in particular embodiments, about 1-5 pounds), including hairdryersand other hand tools, to enable rapid elevational movements. Inaddition, these embodiments provide a convenient system for controllingpower cords associated with such tools, since any excess cord not neededto support the object in its current position is coiled automatically.The cord is managed to nominally eliminate binding during extension, norbunching during retraction. These embodiments also provide nearlyuniform compensatory (upward) force throughout the operational range ofcord extension. These embodiments also provide for conveniently storingthe suspended objects. For non-electrical objects, the electrical cordcan be replaced with a support cord, and the mechanism for bringingpower to the cord need not be present.

In addition, the amount of force necessary to extend the object may beadjusted. Applying a relatively slight amount of upward lift on theobject may initiate retraction of the cord. Furthermore, cord retractionmay be stopped at any position simply by removing the upward lift on theobject. The object may be retracted to a preset “home” position thatrequires additional force to dislodge the object therefrom. Embodimentsof the present invention also advantageously provide support for a toolsuch as a hairdryer, while providing it with six degrees of freedom(i.e., x, y, z, θ_(x), θ_(y), and θ_(z)) of movement.

Turning now to the Figures, one embodiment of the present invention isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as suspension system 200. System 200 includes adrum 1 configured to rotate about a central axis a and a spring 4operatively engaged with the drum to bias rotation of the drum about theaxis. Drum 1 includes an exterior surface 202, which, though notrequired, in the embodiment shown is substantially frusto-conical.Surface 202 defines a helical path 204 thereacross, which, in thisparticular embodiment, is configured in the form of a helical channeldisposed within surface 202. Several alternative drum configurations,e.g., in which surfaces or portions thereof are not frusto-conical,and/or the paths or portions thereof are not helical or are not definedby a channel, are discussed hereinbelow with respect to paths 204B-204Gof FIGS. 12B-12G.

As shown, a proximal end of a cord 2 is fastened to drum 1, and isconfigured for being alternately wound and unwound about drum 1 alonghelical path 204 as the drum rotates about axis a. During this windingand unwinding, cord 2 enters and exits path 204 (i.e., the cord engagesand disengages the drum) at entry/exit point 206, and extends to adistal end fastened directly (or via a connector 3) to an object such asa hairdryer 208. In the particular embodiment shown, entry/exit point206 and spring 4 are axially stationary relative to one another duringthe winding and unwinding of cord 2, and in this particular embodiment,both point 206 and spring 4 are axially stationary, e.g., while the drumslides axially, as discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. Thus,although point 206 will move axially relative to the drum 1 as the drumrotates, point 206 remains stationary relative to axis a and to a user.Such axial stability advantageously reduces the overall inertia (andthus lowers the drag) of apparatus 200 by minimizing both the number ofmoving parts and the extent of movement of those parts. This axialstability also nominally eliminates offset torque on the drum to furtherreduce drag on the apparatus.

Optional aspects of these embodiments include disposing the drumengaging portion 210 of spring 4 in substantial transverse (radial)alignment with entry/exit point 206. Such alignment effectivelyprecludes the formation of an axially extending moment arm between theapplication of opposite, compensating, forces applied at theselocations. The skilled artisan will recognize that such configurationwill effectively minimize or substantially eliminate any propensity forthe drum 1 and/or spring 4 to cock or twist relative to axis a duringrapid elevational movements of the object.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 in greater detail, embodiment 200 mayfurther include a mandrel 5, a thrust plate 8, a torque converter 9, aslip ring assembly 11, and a spring tension adjuster 15, all disposed ona threaded main shaft portion 6. As shown, thrust plate 8 may include anut at its center, configured to threadably receive the threaded shaftportion 6 therein. Thrust plate 8 is rigidly coupled to drum 1 so thatthe drum rotates with plate 8 about shaft portion 6. As mentioned above,drum 1 may include a frusto-conical exterior surface 202, whichoptionally includes a helical channel 204 configured to receive asuitably sized cord 2 therein.

In desired embodiments, drum 1 is formed as a hollow annulus, with aninterior surface having a plurality of axially extending bearing rods 12disposed in spaced relation thereon. As also shown, torque converter 9is configured as a disc having a central sleeve 9B sized to slidablyreceive shaft portion 6 therein. Converter 9 also includes a series ofcircumferentially spaced cutouts 9A sized and shaped to slidably engagethe bearing rods 12. This sliding engagement of the rods 12 with thecutouts 9A serves to rotationally couple drum 1 to the torque converter9, while enabling the drum 1 to slide axially relative to the converter9. Moreover, the sliding fit of sleeve 9B enables torque converter 9 torotate relative to shaft portion 6, without traveling axially relativethereto. Axial movement may be prevented, for example, by use ofretainer clips 80. Torque converter 9 also includes a circular ridge 9Cconcentric with the main shaft portion 6. The radially innermost edge ofthe circular ridge 9C is sized to matingly engage one end of mandrel 5,while the radially outermost edge of the circular ridge 9C may be sizedto matingly engage with an inner diameter of one end of spring 4 (FIG.2). The ridge 9C and/or spring 4 are preferably sized and shaped toprovide a snug fit, and the spring is securely attached thereto in anyconvenient manner sufficient to nominally prevent rotational slippageduring operation, as discussed hereinbelow. A support bracket 10 (asshown in FIG. 2) may be used to hold the drum 1 and spring 4 in theirdesired positions relative to one another.

As discussed hereinabove, the frusto-conical surface 202 of drum 1 maybe provided with a helical channel 204 configured to hold the cord 2 ina wrapping configuration as shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the radius offrusto-conical surface 202, and of the helix formed by channel 204,increases gradually along the length of the drum. The skilled artisanwill recognize that this progressive radius of channel 204advantageously enables the weight of tool (e.g., hairdryer) 208 toprovide progressively increased torque to drum 1 as the cord is unwound,to compensate for increased torque generated by spring 4 as it is movedagainst its bias. Such compensation may advantageously be used tomaintain a substantially neutral or weightless feel to tool 208 duringoperation of system 200, as will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow. The radius of path 204 at particular axial locations may bedetermined by the particular spring 4 used, the weight of a particulartool 208, and the added weight of the unwound portion of the cord 2 asit is extended. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the radius maydecrease relatively dramatically at the smallest diameter portion of thedrum to help retract the tool into the stowed position, as best seen inFIG. 7.

In the embodiment shown, drum 1 and entry/exit point 206 move axiallyrelative to one another during winding and unwinding. In the particularembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this is accomplished by the threadedengagement of thrust plate 8 with the threads of shaft portion 6, sothat the drum travels axially along shaft 6 as it rotates. The magnitudeof axial movement is determined by the pitch of the threads, which isconfigured so that the cord 2 will not complete a rotation on top ofitself, and thus nominally keep it from binding or jamming as it windsand unwinds. In the particular embodiment shown, the thread pitch isconfigured to match that of the helical path 204 so that the entry/exitpoint 206 remains radially aligned with the path 204 throughout therange of drum rotation.

In particular embodiments, threads of shaft portion 6 may be configuredas conventional multiple start (e.g., 5-start) threads, as may bedesired to support the drum.

In embodiments in which the cord 2 is an electrical cord, electricitymay be transferred from a suitable source, such as a 110 volt AC linevoltage source (not shown), to a conventional slip ring assembly 11having a pair of slidably engagable rings 212, 214. In the embodimentshown, ring 212 does not rotate, but moves axially and may be connectedto the source, while the other ring 214 may be integrally fastened tothrust plate 8 to rotate therewith. Ring 214 may then be connected tothe proximal end of cord 2, such as by terminals 52 (FIG. 5). In thismanner, electricity may be conveniently transferred from a stationarysource to the rotatable portions of system 200. Optionally, as mentionedhereinabove, cord 2 may terminate at its distal end at an electricalplug-type connector 3, which enables a user to conveniently connect anddisconnect the cord to tool 208. Moreover, although cord 2 has beendescribed herein as an electrical cord, the skilled artisan willrecognize that in the event the tool or object does not requireconnection to a remote electrical source, the cord may simply be used tosuspend the tool. The term “cord” is thus not to be construed aslimiting, and includes string, rope, chain, wire or other material ofsufficient strength and dimension to fulfill the function hereindescribed.

As also shown, mandrel 5 is disposed within spring 4, in spaced,concentric orientation therewith. Mandrel 5 is sized to support thecenter of the spring 4 during operation of system 200, to prevent thespring from oversagging at its central portion. In this regard, mandrel5 may be provided with an outer diameter that is as large a possible,while still being smaller than the smallest inner diameter of the spring4 when the spring 4 is wound to its operational limit (e.g., when thecord 2 is fully unwound from the drum 1). As mentioned hereinabove, themandrel is supported at one end by ridge 9C of torque converter 9. Theother end of mandrel 5 is supported by mandrel spacer 5A which has aninner bearing surface configured to rotatably engage unthreaded shaftportion 6A as shown. Optionally, one or more additional spacers 5A′ mayalso be provided as desired to further support the mandrel 5. Spacer 5Ais coupled to spring tension adjuster 15. Adjuster 15, once adjusted asdescribed hereinbelow, is configured to be stationary during operationof system 200. This also effectively maintains mandrel 5 in stationaryorientation during operation. In the embodiments shown, spring 4 is acoil torsion spring. The adjusting mechanism 15 adjusts the tension ofspring 4 by either manually or automatically (e.g., with a suitablestepping motor assembly 216) rotating the end of the spring coupled tospacer 5 A. Such rotation effectively applies a predetermined level ofpreload, either with or against the spring's bias, to enable a user tofine-tune the amount of force applied by the spring. In this manner, thespring tension may be adjusted depending upon the weight of theaccessory 208. In desired embodiments, the configuration describedherein advantageously enables adjuster 15 to adjust the force applied byspring 4 over a range of from 0-100 percent (%) of the combined weightof the accessory 208 and cord 2. These embodiments thus permit thecompensating (e.g., upward) force to be adjusted within a range of fromno compensation (the user feels the full weight of the accessory) to anet upward bias equal to its weight.

The characteristics of the spring 4 are chosen based on factors such asthe weight of the accessory 208 to be suspended, the weight of the cord2 as it is extended, and the radius of helical path 204. In addition,the number of coils of spring 4 is preferably chosen to so that therotation of each individual coil during operation is minimized. Forexample, it has been found that springs having a number of coils that isat least eleven times the number of revolutions of path 202, i.e., aratio of 11:1, is desirable. In such a configuration, during operation,the average rotation of each coil is less than one eleventh that of thedrum. In particularly desirable embodiments, a ratio of about 20:1 maybe used. A ratio of 30:1 or higher may also be used. It has also beenfound desirable to coat the spring with a self-lubricating material suchas polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), e.g., TEFLON® (DuPont Corporation,Delaware) and/or configure the spring so that adjacent coils are spacedfrom one another, to nominally eliminate any friction therebetween.Various additional factors that tend to contribute to the low drag (lowinertia, low friction) aspect of the present invention are discussedhereinbelow.

Having described an embodiment of the present invention, operationthereof will now be discussed. As mentioned above, object 208 may bemoved elevationally within a predetermined range of motion defined by anupper starting position, in which the cord 2 may be nominally fullyretracted, and a lowermost position, in which the cord 2 may besubstantially fully extended. In the starting position, the object 208is suspended from cord 2, which is fully retracted. The object 208 iseither in equilibrium (i.e., net bias neither upwardly nor downwardly),or has a net upward bias (e.g., in the event a helical path 204A havingreduced radius (FIGS. 3-5) is used) in this position. If the apparatusis used as only a cord control devise, then the spring tension adjustercan be set so that the object can even have a net downward bias and theuser feels the weight of the tool if preferred. As the user pulls on theobject, the cord 2 is extended and the drum rotates about the main shaft6, 6A. As the suspended tool 208 is drawn from system 200, the cord 2unwinds, which rotates drum 1 and thrust plate 8 coupled thereto. Sincethe thrust plate 8 is threadably coupled to threaded shaft portion 6, asdiscussed above, this rotation serves to move the drum/plate assemblyaxially along the threaded main shaft portion 6. As the drum 1 rotatesand travels, its bearing rods 12 slide axially relative to cutouts 9A oftorque converter 9. This serves to rotate the torque converter, which inturn, winds the spring 4 against its bias. As discussed above, theincreasing radius of helical path 204, in combination with the increasedweight of the unwound cord 2, provides increased torque that effectivelycompensates for the increased torque generated by spring 4 as it winds,so that as perceived by a user, tool 208 remains virtually weightless asit is moved within its range of motion.

To reverse this action, a slight lift of suspended tool 208 enablesspring 4 to unwind, i.e., in the direction of its bias. This unwindingeffectively reverses the rotation of torque converter 9, which thenrotates drum 1 and consequently the threaded thrust plate 8, causing thedrum to travel axially back towards its starting position as cord 2 iswound onto path 204 of the drum. In operation, a tool such as ahairdryer is attached to the end of cord 2, optionally using connector3. As mentioned hereinabove, depending upon the weight of the tooland/or the user's preference for the amount of resistance provided bythe system, spring 4 may be adjusted by rotating spring tension adjuster15 about axis a. Optionally, such adjustment may be made using motorassembly 216.

In this embodiment, the drum, thrust plate, and slip rings are nominallythe only moving parts, and the (axial) length of the spring remainsconstant. This helps to prevent the spring from cocking and jamming as aspring of this type may have a tendency to do, if it were wound (orunwound) and stretched axially at the same time. In addition, as alsodiscussed hereinabove, the pitch of helical path 204 and threads ofshaft portion 6 may be matched, so that the entry/exit point 206 isaxially stationary. This also helps to prevent the cord from jamming orbinding.

As mentioned hereinabove, various aspects of this embodiment have beenprovided to minimize the amount of drag (e.g., friction and inertia) insystem 200, to reduce such drag to below 0.5 lbs (0.2 kg), and inparticular embodiments, as low as 3 ounces (0.08 kg), i.e., a level offorce that is virtually imperceptible to most users, to enable itssuccessful use with relatively lightweight tools 208, for example, thoseweighing less than about 25 lbs (11.4 kg), and in particularembodiments, those weighing between about 1-5 lbs (0.4-2.3 kg).

Providing this shaft portion with rolled, rather than machined, threadsminimizes the friction of parts moving on the threaded shaft portion 6.These rolled threads offer significantly less resistance thanconventional machined threads since the sharp edges and microscopicmachining burrs common to such conventional threads are substantiallyeliminated. In addition the rolled threads and/or the threads of thrustplate 8 may be coated with PTFE, e.g., TEFLON® or other suitableself-lubricating materials to further reduce their friction. Slidingcomponents, such as cutouts 9A and sleeve 9B, may also be fabricatedfrom self-lubricating, or otherwise lubricious or low friction materialssuch as DELRIN® (Dupont Corporation). Moreover, the moving componentsare preferably fabricated from relatively lightweight and structurallyrigid materials, such as molded ABS. This advantageously reduces theinertial mass of the moving parts. Additional, optional functionalitymay be added to the present invention by adding a torque-adjusting motorassembly 216 to facilitate adjusting the resistance of spring 4remotely, as discussed hereinabove. Controls for such an assembly 216may be disposed on the suspended tool or on connector 3. In addition, astow-away motor assembly 218, including a conventional gear train, maybe coupled to shaft portions 6 or 6A, to raise and lower the toolremotely, for example in the event system 200 is installed on a highceiling.

Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the threads are oriented so thatextending (unwinding) cord 2 moves the drum axially towards unthreadedshaft portion 6A. However, the threads orientation (and the drum itself)may be reversed, so that the drum moves in the opposite axial directionduring unwinding, without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention is shown as system 200′. System 200′ is in many respectssimilar or identical to system 200 described hereinabove, havingdistinctions which are discussed hereinbelow. In this embodiment, themain shaft, including portions 6, 6A, is supported by opposite ends of asupport frame (e.g., bracket) 10, which includes an opening 20 disposedto align with entry/exit point 206 (FIG. 1). Although bracket 10 andopening 20 are shown with respect to system 200′, the skilled artisanshould recognize that these components, as well as one or more othersshown and described with respect to this embodiment 200′, may beinterchangeably used with other embodiments, such as system 200, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Theskilled artisan will recognize that use of bracket 10 advantageouslyenables the system 200, 200′, etc., to be conveniently mounted, e.g., toa ceiling above a user's workstation.

One difference between system 200′ and system 200 described hereinabove,is that rather than using a torque converter 9, in system 200′ spring 4is coupled directly to drum 1A. Thus, in this embodiment, spring 4 movesaxially as drum 1A rotates. As shown, the threads of drum 1A and shaftportion 6 are oriented so that extension (unwinding) of cord 2 causesdrum 1A to move axially towards mandrel 5, and retraction of the cord 2causes the drum 1A to move outward away from the mandrel 5. Such athread orientation advantageously compresses spring 4 axially as it iswound. Although such thread orientation may be reversed, such as in themanner discussed hereinabove with respect to system 200, suchorientation would tend to axially stretch the spring as it is wound,which may be undesirable in some applications.

As also shown, an alternate slip ring assembly 11′ may be used, beingcoupled to either (axial) end of the drum 1A. Slip ring assembly 11′includes an inner assembly 11B and an outer assembly 11A. The inner slipring assembly 11B supports conventional slip (contact) rings 11G and isrigidly coupled to the drum 1A. The outer assembly 11A includesconventional brushes 14 configured to electrically engage rings 11G whenassemblies 11A and 11B are rotationally coupled to one another inconcentric, interfitting engagement as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Innerassembly 11B including slip rings 11G, rotates with the drum 1A, whileouter assembly 11A the other portion containing the brushes 1A does notrotate. Assembly 11A may be kept from rotating by any suitable means,such as a notch or detent (not shown) configured to seat or otherwiseengage assembly 11A with an non-rotating component, such as bar 56. Anysuitable bearings, such as self-lubricating bearing material (e.g.,TEFLON®) or ball bearings 59, may be used to effect the rotatableengagement of assemblies 11A, 11B, with one another. Electricity may besupplied to the brushes 14 of outer assembly 11A by wires 21 extendingfrom electrical fixture box 13.

Various additional embodiments may include modifications andalternatives to the teachings of systems 200, 200′, describedhereinabove. Turning now to FIGS. 5-11, system 200″, 200′″ may beprovided, which utilize alternative cord winding approaches includingcord tracking mechanisms in combination with an axially stationary(rather than axially movable) drum 1A′. Such mechanisms may begear-driven (FIGS. 5-8) or may be belt-and-pulley-driven (FIGS. 9-11).In both of these configurations, an unthreaded shaft 6A′ is used. Athreaded tracking screw shaft 39 is disposed (e.g., by a suitable geartrain including gears 34 and 36 (FIGS. 5-8), or by a belt 42 and pulleys40, in FIG. 8, tracking arm 38 includes an opening 220 through whichcord 2 extends, and which moves axially in tandem with entry/exit point206′ during drum rotation, to guide the cord as it winds and unwindsfrom helical path 204A. This guiding action of opening 220 helps tominimize any tendency of the cord to bind or wind over itself on drum1A′.

As best shown in FIG. 7, in both the gear driven and pulley drivenembodiments, a pair of conventional retainer clips 80 may be used tomaintain drum 1A′ in an axially stationary position. Suitable lowresistance bearings 7 may be provided to allow the drum to freely rotateabout the shaft 6A′. The mandrel 5 is held centered along its entirelongitudinal length, as one end fits into a circular channel in thespring tension adjuster 15. Although drum 1A′ rotates freely, mandrel 5is not intended to rotate, but need not be secured in any fashion thatprevents it from rotating. The retainer clip 80 disposed between drum1A′ and mandrel 5 acts as a spacer, to prevent any friction-generatingcontact between the drum 1A′ and the end of the mandrel 5 as the drumrotates.

Turning back to FIGS. 5-8, during operation of the gear-driven trackingmechanism, as the cord 2 is wound on the drum 1A′, the main trackinggear 34 drives the secondary tracking gear 36, which rotates screw shaft39 about its longitudinal axis. This rotation moves tracking arm 38axially. The diameters of gears 34, 36, and the pitch of the threads ofshaft 39 are configured so that the tracking arm 38 moves axially at thesame rate (and direction) as entry/exit point 206′ during drum rotation,so that the cord 2, which passes through aperture 220, is properlyguided during winding and unwinding, as discussed hereinabove. Theskilled artisan will recognize that the belt-and-pulley-driven trackingmechanism, shown in FIGS. 9-11, is substantially similar to thegear-driven approach, but instead of gears 34 and 36, uses a maintracking pulley 40, secondary tracking pulley 41, and tracking belt 42.

As a further option, any of the various embodiments disclosed herein maybe provided with a stop 17, such as shown in FIG. 5. The stop acts toprevent further retraction of cord 2 past a predetermined position, todefine a ‘home’ position. As a yet further option, stop 17 may bemagnetic, to magnetically engage a portion of frame 10 proximate theentry/exit position. Use of a magnetic stop 17 advantageously enablesthe use of relatively little upward bias (e.g., in the event the userdesires little, if any, compensating force) while still holding thedevice 208 securely in a home position. The stop 17 is adjustable, so itcan be positioned nominally anywhere along the cord, thus allowing theobject to hang securely at any of various elevations when in its ‘home’position. A switch 222 (FIG. 2), such as a conventional magneticallyactuated switch, may also be provided to automatically turn on or cutoff power to the device 208 when leaving or returning to the homeposition, respectively. The skilled artisan will also recognize thatpower to the device may alternately, or additionally, be controlledmanually, such as by a switch located on device 208, on coupling 3 asdiscussed herein, and/or by any conventional remote control (not shown).

Turning now to FIGS. 12A-12G, additional optional drums suitable for usewith any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove are shown. Althoughthese Figures depict several optional drum configurations, they are notexhaustive. The skilled artisan will therefore recognize that drums ofvirtually any configuration, which are adapted for rotating about acentral axis, to wind and unwind a cord thereon, may be provided withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drumdesigns selected for a particular implementation of the system 200,200′, etc., depends on choices such as the desired action of the objectattached to the cord, whether it is desired for the drum to move axiallyas it rotates, and if not, whether use of a tracking mechanism isdesired. For clarity, the drum variations shown in these FIGS. 12A-12Gare oriented so the proximal end of the cord engages path 204 on theright hand side of each drum, and, in the event path 204 is helical,winding progresses towards the left hand side of the drum.

Moreover, although the path 204, 204A has been described hereinabove asbeing helical, as will be evident in light of the following, embodimentsmay be provided in which the path is not helical, but rather, the cordis permitted to wind upon itself, such as shown in FIGS. 12F and 12G.The skilled artisan should recognize that such non-helical paths remainwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 12A, drum 1A, as discussed hereinabove, includes ahelical path 204A in the form of a channel having a progressive radius,configured to receive cord 2 therein. This drum may be axiallystationary (e.g., configured as drum 1A′, discussed hereinabove), inwhich a tracking arm 38 may be used to guide cord 2 duringwinding/unwinding. Alternatively, drum 1A may be configured to moveaxially during rotation in order to provide an axially stationaryentry/exit point 206 as also described hereinabove. The skilled artisanshould recognize that all the drums shown and described herein, may beconfigured for being either axially movable, or axially stationary,without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Drum 1B has a helical path 204B defined by channels disposed within acylindrical surface, which as such, are disposed at a uniform radiusalong the length of the drum. As such, this drum 1B does not provide forincreasing torque as the cord 2 is extended and the spring wound againstits bias.

Drum 1C is similar to drum 1B with the exception that path 204C includesa reduced radius portion at one end thereof, to provide the tool with anupward bias when the cord is fully wound, as discussed hereinabove.

Drum 1D has a frusto-conical helical path 204D, which is similar to path204 of FIGS. 1 and 2, but is not defined by a channel.

Drum 1E is nominally identical to drum 1D, though having a cylindrical,rather than frusto-conical outer surface.

Drum 1F is configured so that cord 2 coils on top of itself to decreasethe diameter as the cord 2 is unwound.

Drum 1G is similar to drum 1F, but uses a V-shaped exterior surface toreduce the rate of change of the effective radius as the cord winds andunwinds.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been shown and described usingconventional torsion coil springs, the skilled artisan should recognizethat substantially any type of biasing devices may be used, includingother types of springs such as constant tension springs, clock springs,cantilevered springs, pneumatic devices, and the like, without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The following illustrative example is intended to demonstrate certainaspects of the present invention. It is to be understood that thisexample should not be construed as limiting.

EXAMPLE

A support assembly 200′, substantially as shown and described in FIGS.3-4 was fabricated, having the following parameters configured toweightlessly support an object weighing in a range of 1-3 pounds. Thisassembly was built according to the following parameters: Adjuster Fiberreinforced ABS plastic using a spur gear with a 20° pressure angle.Mandrel Thin wall (.08″) ABS plastic. 2.5″ O.D. × 8.5″ long Spring 0.08″music wire with 80 Teflon-coated coils with a coil diameter of 3.5″Torque converter Delrin ® with 8 transfer grooves 9A and a 4.55″ O.D.Drum ABS plastic with 0.4″ diameter channel 204. The channel had a .5″lead (i.e., pitch, corresponding to .5″ axial travel per rotation) and a10° conical taper with a starting helical coil diameter of 5″. StartingO.D. 5.7″, starting I.D. 4.8″. Ending O.D. 6.76″, ending I.D. 5.86″.Length is 3″ Thrust plate Delrin ®, with threads to accept threaded rod.Threaded Rod (Lead screw) Teflon ® coated 303 stainless steel. Rolledthreads have a .5″ lead and 5 starts. Conventional Slip-ring assemblycapable of handling 15 to 20 amps.

This assembly was found to be capable of successfully supporting objects208 within a range of 0.6 ounces to 4 lbs. It was also adjusted andsuccessfully tested with a hairdryer weighing approximately 2 pounds,and found to have a ‘drag’ of 3 ounces (0.08 kg) or less.

With reference now to FIG. 13, one alternative embodiment of a system500 in accordance with this invention is shown. In this embodiment atool 502, such as a hair dryer, is shown connected to a support 510,such as suspension system 200 described hereinabove with respect toFIG. 1. System 500 includes a quick release electrical connector 300 forelectrically coupling tool 502 to a power source (e.g., located insupport 510) through power cords 504 and 506. System 500 furtherincludes a gimbal assembly 400 that enables the tool 502 to rotatesubstantially freely about first and second perpendicular axes.Connector 300 includes upper 302 and lower 310 connector portions and isdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 14 through 20.Gimbal assembly 400 is deployed in gimbal housing 410 and is describedin more detail below with respect to FIGS. 21 through 23.

It will be understood that the designations of “upper” and “lower”connector portions are for ease of reference only, and are not intendedto be limitations on the invention. The artisan of ordinary skill willof course recognize that the electrical connector assembly may beutilized in substantially any orientation, including orientations inwhich the upper portion 302 is deployed below the lower portion 310. Itwill further be understood that although the deployments and embodimentsdescribed herein are directed to use with a hair dryer, use of connector300 according to the present invention is not limited to hair dryerapplications such as illustrated on FIG. 13. Embodiments of thisinvention may be useful in a wide range of applications requiringcoupling of data and/or power conduits, especially in applications inwhich a quick release connector capable of supporting axial loads isadvantageous. For example, such connectors may be utilized to supportsubstantially any tool, including those used in assembly lineapplications. Other useful embodiments may provide, for example, a fluidor pneumatic connector rather than an electrical connector as shown inthe Figures.

Exemplary connector embodiments according to this invention provideseveral technical advantages. Various connector embodiments may supportaxial loads while advantageously maintaining a reliable electricalcontact. Moreover, exemplary connector assemblies may be madewatertight, e.g., simply by the use of O-rings and may therefore be usedin either liquid or gaseous environments. For example, a suitably sizedO-ring may be place about each column 341 (FIG. 16), which may then formtight seals between upper and lower portions 302 and 310 upon mutualengagement as discussed below. Various tools (such as hand tools)including electrical connectors according to this invention may thusoften exhibit improved reliability. Moreover, it will be appreciatedthat connecting and disconnecting exemplary connector embodiments ofthis invention is relatively quick and easy. The use of springs, asdescribed in more detail below (rather than threads or clips as areknown in prior art connectors), enables a connection to be made bysimply urging the upper 302 and lower 310 portions together.Furthermore, such connector embodiments cannot be partially connected.Rather the connector is either fully connected or fully disconnected,and therefore gives no false sense of being connected. This latterfeature makes these embodiments particularly well suited to aircraft andother applications demanding a particularly high level of reliability.

With reference again to FIG. 13, one exemplary embodiment of electricalconnector 300 is described in more detail. In the embodiment shown, theupper portion 302 of connector 300 includes first 304 and second 306substantially cylindrical shrouds that are sized and shaped to cover theinternal components of the connector 300. As described in more detailhereinbelow, shroud 304 is deployed to remain substantially stationarywith respect to upper portion 302. Shroud 306, on the other hand, isdisposed to reciprocate longitudinally along axis 501 and is biasedtowards the lower portion 310 by an axial spring 356 (shown on FIG.19A). In the exemplary embodiment shown, shroud 306 includes a pluralityof splines 352 (shown on FIG. 16) disposed on an inner surface thereof.With additional reference to FIG. 15, splines 352 engage upper slots 338formed in an upper lock 312 of upper connector portion 302. Suchengagement substantially prevents relative rotation between shroud 306and lock 312 about axis 501. The artisan of ordinary skill will readilyrecognize that pins, for example extending through shroud 306, may besubstituted for splines 352 without departing from the invention.Moreover, although the splines and slots are shown extending axially,the skilled artisan should recognize that they may be oriented in otherdirections, e.g., helically, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. For example, the splines and slots may form a helixwhich spirals in a direction opposite that of the teeth to securelymaintain engagement thereof. With reference again to FIG. 1, the upper302 and lower 310 portions may also include reliefs 308 and 357(typically fabricated from a relatively soft material) that enable thepower cords 504 and 506 to flex laterally (i.e., in a directiontransverse to axis 501).

Turning now to FIGS. 14 through 17, one exemplary embodiment ofconnector assembly 300 is shown in connected (FIG. 14) and disconnected(FIGS. 15 through 17) configurations. For clarity, shroud portions 304and 306 (which prevent connector 300 from unlocking), shown on FIG. 13,are removed on FIGS. 14 and 15. With further reference to FIGS. 19Athrough 19D, the structure and function of connector assembly 300 willnow be described in more detail by describing connection of the upper302 and lower 310 connector portions. Disconnection of the connectorassembly 300 is described in more detail hereinbelow with respect toFIGS. 20A through 20D. Connector assembly 300 may be connected, forexample, by simply aligning polarity alignment keyways 354 and 356 withtabs 344 and 346 and then urging upper and lower portions 302 and 310together along axis 501 as shown at 375 on FIG. 19A. It will beappreciated that in exemplary embodiments in which polarity alignment isadvantageous a single keyway and tab may be utilized. It will beunderstood, however, that this invention is not limited to the use ofpolarity alignment keyways 354 and 356 and tabs 344 and 346.

Upper and lower portions 302 and 310 each include a plurality of lockingteeth 314 and 316 sized and shaped for engagement with one another. Whenthe upper portion 302 is aligned with and moved into engagement with thelower portion 310 along axis 501 (or likewise when the lower portion 310is aligned with and moved into engagement with the upper portion 302),locking teeth 316 contact splines 352. Continued axial movement of upper302 and lower 310 portions into engagement with one another urges shroud306 upwards against the bias of spring 356 until locking teeth 314 and316 engage one another enough so splines 352 begin to slide down theshoulder of lock 316 as shown on FIG. 19B and 19C. As shown on FIG. 19C,locking teeth 314 and 316 engage one another to rotationally camcylindrical lower lock 320 about axis 501 against the bias of torsionspring 322 (FIGS. 17 and 18). Such camming action continues while theupper 302 and lower 310 portions are urged together along axis 501 untilthe upper teeth 314 and lower teeth 316 are fully engaged ininterdigitated orientation with one another as shown on FIGS. 14 and19D. Upon full engagement the cylindrical upper lock 312 and lower lock320 are locked one to another and prevented from unlocking by the fullengagement of splines 352 with the upper slots 338 and the lower slots336.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of this invention may includesubstantially any number of upper 314 and lower teeth 316 havingsubstantially any size relative to the other connector components. Theinvention is not limited in this regard. The artisan of ordinary skillwill also recognize that steep (e.g., multiple start) threads may beused in place of teeth 314 and 316. Such steep threads typically extendat a pitch sufficient to provide full engagement with less than onerevolution, and preferably less than one-quarter of one revolution, ofupper lock 312 relative to lower lock 320 to promote quick and easyoperation.

The above described camming action also serves to rotate lower lock 320about axis 501 such that one or more tabs 324 on lower lock 320 becomeengaged with abutments 326 and 327 (shown on FIG. 18) deployed on aninner component 330 of lower portion 310. It will be appreciated thatlower lock 320 is thus deployed on the inner component 330 in a mannerthat enables rotation thereof about axis 501 but prevents translationalong axis 501 once the upper and lower locks are fully engaged. Asshown, the engagement of the tabs 324 and abutments 326 locks orcaptures the lower lock 320 to inner component 330, thereby inhibitingaxial separation upon full engagement of the locks. In this fullyengaged position, tabs 324 may also be engaged with abutments 327. Tabs324 are similarly engaged (albeit on the opposite sides thereof) withabutments 327 when locks 312 and 320 are disengaged, i.e., when lowerlock 320 is rotated with the bias of spring 322. In this manner,abutments 327 serve as stops which effectively prevent lower lock 320from over-rotating in either rotational direction. Moreover, abutments327 are positioned so that once polarity tabs (e.g., 356 and 346 ofFIGS. 16 and 18) are engaged, upper and lower teeth 314 and 316 areproperly aligned to facilitate their mutual engagement as shown in FIG.19B.

Once the upper 314 and lower 316 teeth are fully engaged, slots 336 and338 are aligned along axis 501. Such alignment enables the lower shroud306 (FIG. 13) to be biased towards the lower portion 310 of theconnector assembly 300 by axial spring 356 such that splines 352 engageslots 336 (as shown on FIG. 19D). The mutual engagement of the splines352 and aligned slots 336 and 338 substantially prevents lower lock 320from counter rotating about axis 501, e.g., due to the bias of torsionspring 322 and/or any axial forces on the connector. As such,disengagement of the upper and lower 302 and 310 portions issubstantially prevented.

With continued reference to FIGS. 14 through 17, connection of upperportion 302 and lower portion 310 serves to electrically couple malepins (deployed in holes 342 shown on FIGS. 17 and 18) with femalereceptacles 340 (shown on FIG. 16) and thereby provides electricalcommunication between hand tool 502 and support 510. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, connector assembly 300 is configured to selectivelyelectrically connect and disconnect a hand tool (such as a hair dryer)from a 110 or 220 VAC power source. Moreover, the embodiment shownincludes two pins and two corresponding receptacles 340 for coupling“hot” and “neutral” lines of a 110/220 VAC power supply. It will beappreciated that alternative embodiments of connector assembly 300 mayinclude substantially any number and type of pins and sockets, forexample for interconnecting a plurality of data and/or powertransmission lines, such as, for example, a conventional network busconnector and it is thus not limited to 110/220 VAC. Moreover, as shown,receptacles 340 may be disposed within cylindrical columns 341 sized andshaped for receipt within holes 342. The skilled artisan will recognizethat this construction advantageously provides a relatively large degreeof insulative separation between adjacent electrical conductors (pins),to help prevent sparks from jumping therebetween. This separation may beuseful in achieving certification by various organizations such asUnderwriters Laboratories.

With reference now to FIGS. 20A through 20D, disconnection of connectorassembly 300 is described in more detail. To disconnect the upper 302and lower 310 portions of connector assembly 300 a user simply urgesshroud 306 upwards against the bias of spring 356, thereby retracting itrelative to shroud 304 as shown on FIG. 20B. As also shown on FIG. 20B,such action moves splines 352 clear of lower slots 336 and lower teeth316, which in turn, allows lower lock 320 to counter rotate under thebias of torsion spring 322 and an axial force exerted by the user or theweight of the tool (FIGS. 17 and 18). The rotation of lower lock 320enables lower teeth 316 to disengage upper teeth 314. The upper 302 andlower 310 portions may then be separated from one another as shown onFIG. 20D.

It will be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of connector assembly300 may advantageously support substantial axial loads (such as theweight of hand tool electrically coupled thereto or the force of anoperator pulling on the hand tool during use thereof). Referring againto FIGS. 14 through 17, when the upper 302 and lower 310 portions of theconnector assembly 300 are connected, such axial loads are supported bythe engaged upper 314 and lower 316 teeth. In order to disengage theteeth 314 and 316, one set must be rotated relative to the other (e.g.,by rotating lower lock 320 relative to upper lock 312). Such rotation,however, is substantially prevented by the engagement of splines 352with slots 336 and by the engagement of abutments 326 with lower lock320 as described above.

It will also be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of connectorassembly 300 do not include a partial or intermediate connected state.Rather, the upper 302 and lower 310 portions are advantageously eitherfully connected or fully disconnected, thereby substantially preventinga user from inadvertently partially connecting the connector, forexample, by confusing a false sense of connectedness with an actualphysical connection. Such functionality is ensured by the action ofsprings 322 and 356. Unless the upper 302 and lower 310 portions arefully connected with splines 352 fully engaged with slots 336, torsionspring 322 counter rotates lower lock 320, which disengages upper 314and lower 316 teeth as described above. Once fully connected, however,axial spring 356 biases splines 352 into engagement with slots 336,thereby ensuring that the connector assembly remains locked in theconnected configuration until it is intentionally disconnected.

With reference now to FIG. 21, in which outer housing 410 has beenremoved for clarity, one exemplary embodiment of gimbal assembly 400(FIG. 13) is described in more detail. Gimbal assembly 400 includes agimbal 430 deployed about a receptacle, which in the embodiment shown isin the form of a substantially spherical ball 420, which may optionally,as shown, include an elongated neck portion through which cord 504 (FIG.13) may extend. Gimbal 430 is disposed to rotate about receptacle 420and a first axle 402, which extends through receptacle 420. Thereceptacle 420 and gimbal 430 are disposed to rotate together about asecond axle 404, which is supported by, and captured between, aninternal housing 408 and an external housing 409 (FIG. 13) engagedtherewith. Housings 408 and 409 are typically mechanically coupled(e.g., screwed or riveted) to one another and/or to hand tool 502 (FIG.13).

With reference now to FIGS. 22 and 23, and continued reference to FIG.21, electrical wires 515 extend through the gimbal assembly, for examplefrom hand tool 502 to a power source located in support 510 (FIG. 13).Electrical wires 515 are tightly secured in wire channels 442 ofinternal wedge 440 to substantially prevent the electrical wires 515from being pulled through the gimbal assembly 400 along axis 501. Asshown on FIG. 22, electrical wires 515 straddle or otherwise bypassfirst axle 402, which extends through the inner wedge 440. Cable jacket415 is deployed about internal wedge 440 and protects electrical wires515 from mechanical damage. In one suitable embodiment, cable jacket 415includes a high strength fiber material 416 such as a Kevlar® aramidfiber (E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.). Suchfibers 416 may extend along the longitudinal axis of the jacket 415,e.g.,in a direction substantially parallel or helical relative toconductors 515. In one optional embodiment, the fibers 416 are tiedtogether below axle 402 and provide additional axial strength to thegimbal assembly 400. As shown on FIG. 23, receptacle 420 may be pressfit about cable jacket 415, causing rib portions 444 of internal wedge440 to securely engage an internal surface of the cable jacket 415,e.g., by slight penetration therein. Such engagement of rib portions 444with cable jacket 415 secures the electrical wires 515 in the gimbalassembly and substantially prevents them from being pulled therethrough.It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments wires 515 andjacket 415 may be molded into the spherical receptacle 420 usingtechniques such as injection molding and/or casting molding. It willalso be appreciated that while gimbal assembly 400 is shown in use witha handheld tool such as hair dryer 502 (FIG. 13), exemplary embodimentsof gimbal assembly 400 may advantageously support axial loads in excessof 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Although the connector and gimble embodiments have been described hereinas being electrical devices, it should be recognized by those skilled inthe art that they may be adapted to non-electrical uses, such as, forexample, air or gas lines, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention. Moreover, the connector and/or gimbleembodiments may be used in substantially any application in which quickand accurate connection of two components is required.

Furthermore, although the embodiments shown and describe relate toin-line connectors, the skilled artisan should recognize that theseembodiments may be adapted to panel-mounted applications while remainingwithin the scope of this invention.

In the preceding specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereunto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings areaccordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictivesense.

1. A multi-elevational tool support comprising: a drum disposed torotate about a central axis; a spring disposed to bias rotation of thedrum; a cord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum; a toolcoupled to a distal end of the cord; the cord configured to supply powerto the tool; a quick release electrical connector deployed between andconfigured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect theproximal and the distal ends of the cord; the drum configured towindingly receive the cord thereabout; the cord configured for beingalternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring asthe tool is respectively raised and lowered; the drum configured formoving axially during the alternate winding and unwinding; an axiallystationary entry and exit point through which the cord alternatelydisengages and engages the drum during the alternate unwinding andwinding; the spring being coupled to the drum; and the spring beingconfigured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement ofthe drum.
 2. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 1, wherein theelectrical connector is configured to support an axial load along alongitudinal axis of the cord.
 3. The multi-elevational tool support ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical connector is configured to selectivelyelectrically connect and disconnect the tool from a power supply.
 4. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 1, wherein the electricalconnector further comprises: one or more first electrical contactsdeployed on a first portion of the electrical connector; one or moresecond electrical contacts deployed on a second portion of theelectrical connector; and the first portion configured to engage anddisengage with the second portion wherein the one or more firstelectrical contacts electrically couples and decouples withcorresponding ones of the one or more second plurality of contacts uponconnecting and disconnecting of the electrical connector.
 5. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 1, wherein the electricalconnector further comprises: a first plurality of teeth disposed on afirst portion of the electrical connector; a second plurality of teethdisposed on a second portion of the electrical connector; and the firstand second pluralities of teeth configured to selectively engage anddisengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the electricalconnector, said engagement of the teeth operative to substantiallyprevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions ofthe electrical connector.
 6. The multi-elevational tool support of claim1, wherein the electrical connector further comprises: a first lockdeployed on a first portion; a second lock deployed on a second portion,the second lock configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of thesecond portion between first and second rotational positions, the secondlock biased towards the first rotational position, the second lock inthe second rotational position when the electrical connector isconnected; and the first and second locks configured to engage anddisengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting of theelectrical connector, said engagement of the first and second locksoperative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between thefirst and second portions of the electrical connector.
 7. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 6, wherein the electricalconnector further comprises: a shroud deployed on the first portionsubstantially coaxially about the first lock, the shroud disposed todisplace along a longitudinal axis of the first portion between firstand second shroud positions, the shroud biased towards the first shroudposition, the shroud in the first shroud position when the electricalconnector is connected; and the shroud substantially preventing thesecond lock from rotating from the second rotational position to thefirst rotational position when the electrical connector is connected. 8.The multi-elevational tool support of claim 7, wherein the electricalconnector further comprises an axial spring deployed about the firstlock, the axial spring disposed to bias the shroud towards the firstshroud position.
 9. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 7,wherein the shroud includes one or more splines disposed on an innersurface thereof, the splines respectively engaged with one or more slotsformed in an outer surface of the first lock.
 10. The connector of claim8, wherein the splines and slots extend substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the first portion.
 11. The multi-elevational toolsupport of claim 9, wherein: the second lock includes a plurality ofslots formed in an outer surface thereof; the slots in the second lockare substantially aligned with the slots in the first lock when thesecond lock is in the second rotational position; and the splines areengaged with the slots in the second lock when the electrical connectoris connected, said engagement of the splines with the slots in thesecond lock operative to prevent the second lock from rotating with itsbias to the first rotational position.
 12. The multi-elevational toolsupport of claim 7, wherein: the first lock includes a first pluralityof teeth and a first plurality of slots; the second lock includes asecond plurality of teeth and a second plurality of slots; the shroudincludes a plurality of splines disposed on a surface thereof; the firstand second pluralities of teeth configured to selectively engage anddisengage one another upon connecting and disconnecting the electricalconnector, said engagement of the teeth operative to substantiallyprevent relative axial motion between the first and second portions ofthe electrical connector; the second plurality of slots substantiallyaligned with the first plurality of slots when the second lock is in thesecond rotational position; and the splines engaged with the first andthe second plurality of slots when the electrical connector isconnected, said engagement of the splines with the second plurality ofslots operative to prevent the second lock from rotating with its biasto the first rotational position.
 13. The multi-elevational tool supportof claim 12, wherein said engagement of the teeth is operative torotationally cam the second lock against its bias from the firstrotational position to the second rotational position.
 14. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 6, wherein: the first lockincludes a first plurality of teeth; the second lock includes a secondplurality of teeth; and the first and second pluralities of teeth areconfigured to selectively engage and disengage one another uponconnecting and disconnecting the electrical connector, said engagementof the teeth operative to substantially prevent relative axial motionbetween the first and second portions of the electrical connector. 15.The multi-elevational tool support of claim 6, wherein the electricalconnector further comprises a torsion spring deployed between the secondportion and the second lock, the torsion spring disposed to bias thesecond lock towards the first rotational position.
 16. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 6, wherein the second lockincludes a plurality tabs disposed on an inner surface thereof, the tabsconfigured to engage a corresponding plurality of abutment membersdeployed on an inner component of the second portion when the secondlock is in the second rotational position, to effectively capture thesecond lock onto the inner component.
 17. The multi-elevational toolsupport of claim 1, further comprising: a gimbal assembly deployedbetween the electrical connector and the distal end of the cord, thecord extending through the gimbal assembly, the gimbal assemblyconfigured to permit rotation of the tool about first and second axes.18. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 17, wherein the cordextends through the gimbal assembly in a direction substantiallyorthogonal to the first and second axes.
 19. The multi-elevational toolsupport of claim 17, wherein the gimbal assembly is coupled to the tool.20. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 17, wherein the gimbalassembly substantially prevents the cord from being pulled therethrough.21. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 17, wherein the cordcomprises first and second electric lines, the first and second electriclines straddling a first axle in the gimbal assembly.
 22. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 21, wherein the gimbal assemblyfurther comprises: a gimbal deployed about a receptacle, the gimbaldisposed to rotate about the first axle, the first axle extendingthrough the gimbal and the receptacle; the gimbal including a secondaxle, the gimbal and receptacle disposed to rotate together about thesecond axle, the second axle substantially orthogonal to the first axle,the second axle supported by a housing; a wedge deployed in thereceptacle, the wedge including first and second wire channels, thefirst and second wire channels disposed to receive the correspondingfirst and second electric lines; and a cable jacket deployed about thewedge, the cable jacket disposed to secure the first and second electriclines in the first and second wire channels.
 23. A multi-elevationaltool support comprising: a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis;a spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum; a cord coupled at aproximal end thereof to the drum; a tool coupled to a distal end of thecord; the cord configured to supply power to the tool; a gimbal assemblydeployed between the proximal and the distal ends of the cord, the cordextending through the gimbal assembly, the gimbal assembly configured topermit rotation of the tool about first and second axes; the drumconfigured to windingly receive the cord thereabout; the cord configuredfor being alternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of thespring as the tool is respectively raised and lowered; the drumconfigured for moving axially during the alternate winding andunwinding; an axially stationary entry and exit point through which thecord alternately disengages and engages the drum during the alternateunwinding and winding; the spring being coupled to the drum; and thespring being configured for remaining axially stationary during theaxial movement of the drum.
 24. The multi-elevational tool support ofclaim 23, wherein the cord extends through the gimbal assembly in adirection substantially orthogonal to the first and second axes.
 25. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 23, wherein the cord comprisesfirst and second electric lines, the first and second electric linesdisposed to bypass a first axle in the gimbal assembly.
 26. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 23, wherein the gimbal assemblycomprises: a gimbal deployed about a receptacle, the gimbal disposed torotate about a first axle, the first axle extending through the gimbaland the receptacle; and the gimbal including a second axle, the gimbaland the receptacle disposed to rotate together about the second axle,the second axle substantially orthogonal to the first axle, the secondaxle supported by an internal housing.
 27. The multi-elevational toolsupport of claim 26 wherein the cord comprises first and second electriclines and wherein the gimbal assembly further comprises: a wedgedeployed in the receptacle, the wedge including one or more wirechannels disposed to receive corresponding one or more electric lines;and a cable jacket deployed about the wedge, wherein the cable jacket issecured between the receptacle and the wedge to resist axial movement ofthe cable.
 28. The gimbal assembly of claim 27, wherein the wedgecomprises at least one protruding rib portion on an external surfacethereof, the rib portion engaging an inner surface of the cable jacket.29. The gimbal assembly of claim 28, wherein said engagement of the atleast one rib portion into the cable jacket substantially prevents thecord from being pulled through the gimbal assembly.
 30. Amulti-elevational tool support comprising: a drum disposed to rotateabout a central axis; a spring disposed to bias rotation of the drum; acord coupled at a proximal end thereof to the drum; a tool coupled to adistal end of the cord; the cord configured to supply power to the tool;a quick release electrical connector deployed between and configured toselectively electrically connect and disconnect the proximal and thedistal ends of the cord; a gimbal assembly deployed between theelectrical connector and the distal end of the cord, the cord extendingthrough the gimbal assembly, the gimbal assembly configured to permitrotation of the tool about first and second axes; the drum configured towindingly receive the cord thereabout; the cord configured for beingalternately wound and unwound with and against the bias of the spring asthe tool is respectively raised and lowered; the drum configured formoving axially during the alternate winding and unwinding; an axiallystationary entry and exit point through which the cord alternatelydisengages and engages the drum during the alternate unwinding andwinding; the spring being coupled to the drum; and the spring beingconfigured for remaining axially stationary during the axial movement ofthe drum.
 31. A multi-elevational tool support comprising: a drumdisposed to rotate about a central axis; a spring disposed to biasrotation of the drum; a power cord having first and second ends, thefirst end coupled to the drum, the second end coupleable to a tool; thedrum configured to windingly receive the cord thereabout; the cordconfigured for being alternately wound and unwound with and against thebias of the spring as the tool is respectively raised and lowered; aquick release electrical connector deployed between the first and secondends of the cord, the electrical connector configured to selectivelyelectrically connect and disconnect the first and second ends of thecord; the electrical connector including a first lock deployed on afirst portion; the electrical connector further including a second lockdeployed on a second portion, the second lock configured to rotate abouta longitudinal axis of the second portion between first and secondrotational positions, the second lock biased towards the firstrotational position, the second lock in the second rotational positionwhen the electrical connector is connected; and the first and secondlocks configured to engage and disengage one another upon connecting anddisconnecting of the electrical connector, said engagement of the firstand second locks operative to substantially prevent relative axialmotion between the first and second portions of the electricalconnector.
 32. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 31, furthercomprising: a gimbal assembly deployed between the electrical connectorand the second end of the cord, the cord extending through the gimbalassembly, the gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the toolabout first and second axes;
 33. The multi-elevational tool support ofclaim 32, wherein the electrical connector further comprises: a shrouddeployed on the first portion substantially coaxially about the firstlock, the shroud disposed to displace along a longitudinal axis of thefirst portion between first and second shroud positions, the shroudbiased towards the first shroud position, the shroud in the first shroudposition when the electrical connector is connected; and the shroudsubstantially preventing the second lock from rotating from the secondrotational position to the first rotational position when the electricalconnector is connected.
 34. The multi-elevational tool support of claim33, wherein the shroud includes a plurality of splines disposed on asurface thereof, the splines engaged with a corresponding plurality ofslots formed in an outer surface of the first lock, the splines andslots substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firstportion.
 35. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 34, wherein:the second lock includes a plurality of slots formed in a surfacethereof; the slots in the second lock substantially aligned with theslots in the first lock when the second lock is in the second rotationalposition; and the splines engaged with the slots in the second lock whenthe electrical connector is connected, said engagement of the splineswith the slots in the second lock operative to prevent the second lockfrom rotating with its bias to the first rotational position.
 36. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 31, wherein: the first lockincludes a first plurality of teeth; the second lock includes a secondplurality of teeth; and the first and second pluralities of teeth areconfigured to selectively engage and disengage one another uponconnecting and disconnecting the connector, said engagement of the teethoperative to substantially prevent relative axial motion between thefirst and second portions of the connector;
 37. A multi-elevational toolsupport comprising: a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis; aspring disposed to bias rotation of the drum; a power cord having firstand second ends, the first end coupled to the drum, the second endcoupleable to a tool, the power cord further including first and secondelectric lines; the drum configured to windingly receive the cordthereabout; the cord configured for being alternately wound and unwoundwith and against the bias of the spring as the tool is respectivelyraised and lowered; a gimbal assembly deployed between the first andsecond ends of the cord, the cord extending through the gimbal assembly,the gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool aboutfirst and second axles; and the gimbal assembly including a wedgedeployed in a receptacle, the wedge including first and second wirechannels, the first and second wire channels disposed to receive thecorresponding first and second electric lines wherein the first andsecond electric lines bypass a first axle.
 38. The multi-elevationaltool support of claim 37, further comprising a quick release electricalconnector deployed between the first end of the cord and the gimbalassembly, the electrical connector configured to selectivelyelectrically connect and disconnect the first and second ends of thecord.
 39. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 37, wherein thegimbal assembly further comprises: a gimbal deployed about thereceptacle, the gimbal disposed to rotate about the first axle, thefirst axle extending through the gimbal and the receptacle; and thegimbal including a second axle, the gimbal and the receptacle disposedto rotate together about the second axle, the second axle substantiallyorthogonal to the first axle, the second axle supported by an internalhousing.
 40. The multi-elevational tool support of claim 37 wherein thegimbal assembly further comprises a cable jacket deployed about thewedge, wherein the cable jacket is secured between the receptacle andthe wedge to resist axial movement of the cable.
 41. Themulti-elevational tool support of claim 40, wherein: the wedge of thegimbal assembly comprises at least one protruding rib portion on anexternal surface thereof, the rib portion penetrating an inner surfaceof the cable jacket; and said penetration of the at least one ribportion into the cable jacket substantially prevents the cord from beingpulled through the gimbal assembly.
 42. A multi-elevational tool supportcomprising: a drum disposed to rotate about a central axis; a springdisposed to bias rotation of the drum; a power cord having first andsecond ends, the first end coupled to the drum, the second endcoupleable to a tool, the power cord further including first and secondelectric lines; the drum configured to windingly receive the cordthereabout; the cord configured for being alternately wound and unwoundwith and against the bias of the spring as the tool is respectivelyraised and lowered; a quick release electrical connector deployedbetween the first and second ends of the cord, the electrical connectorconfigured to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the firstand second ends of the cord; and a gimbal assembly deployed between theelectrical connector and the second end of the cord, the cord extendingthrough the gimbal assembly, the gimbal assembly couplable to the tool,the gimbal assembly configured to permit rotation of the tool aboutfirst and second axes.
 43. The multi-elevational tool support of claim6, wherein the second lock is configured to rotate about thelongitudinal axis one revolution or less between the first and secondrotational positions.